Sunderland plays the backdrop for Canadian film

Sunderland is going to have a starring role in a Canadian feature film.
Actors and crew members visited the village Tuesday and Wednesday filming scenes for 'Empire of Dirt,' an edgy drama about an Aboriginal family.
The film is about a 29-year-old single mother, Lena (played by Cara Gee), who decides to move from Toronto back to her small hometown to provide a better life for her 13-year-old daughter, Peeka (Shay Eyre). Having lived on her own since the age of 16, Lena must also reconcile with those she previously left behind.
"It's an important story and one that I think is beautifully universal. It's about a First Nations family but it's a family story above anything else," Ms Gee said.
Featured locations include Fox Fire's, the fairgrounds and Amanda Doble's farm on Concession 6.
Sunderland was suggested by location manager Deborah Tiffin, who's arranged a number of film shoots in Scugog. Producers and Empire of Dirt's director, Peter Stebings, scouted locations during the fall fair.
"It's picturesque and just had the right look. It's a beautiful working town, not a tourist attraction," Mr. Stebbings said.
"Everyone we've met has been so supportive. There's been a real sense of goodwill."
"We fell in love immediately. We were looking for an idyllic small town aesthetic," Ms Podemski added.
It's been a homecoming of sorts for Ms Gee, who grew up in Bobcaygeon.
"I've driven through Sunderland a lot. It's really cool to be back in the area,"
The cast and crew were halfway through the production's 15-day shooting schedule at the midway point of Tuesday's filming. The remainder will be shot in Georgina.
"It's kind of a patchwork to create a small town for the movie," Ms Podemski said.
Though it's budget is approximately $400,000 -- "Even by Canadian standards, this is a pretty small feature," said publicist Mario Tassone -- the cast and crew have high hopes for the film.
"We're hoping for a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival next September," said Jennifer Podemski, an actor and producer on the movie.
It's the second feature for Mr. Stebbing's, his previous effort was 2009's Defendor starring Woody Harrelson, and the first the two stars.
"I really think they're poised to break out," Ms Podemski said of Ms Gee and Ms Eyre.
"Star performances by two newcomers," added Mr. Stebbings, an actor in his own right and one of the featured performers on CTV's 'The Listener.'

Scott Howard is editor of the Brock Citizen. He can be reached via email at showard@mykawartha.com